Technology currently used in Formula 1 cars could help our troops on the front line, the MOD has announced on the eve of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Cosworth, who supplies F1 engines and electronics, has just been awarded two Defence contracts to explore how technologies used to protect racing drivers could protect frontline troops.

New technology includes:

A Military Vehicle Accident Data Recorder that could capture information about the severity of incidents, such as improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts, and display it in a simple, easy-to-read format.

This data could be used to better understand the incident, aiding in the development both of equipment and tactics, techniques and procedures used to counter IEDs.

A Blast Event and Vehicle Integrity System intended to allow a rapid assessment of the condition of a vehicle following an incident. The information could be used by engineers to assess a vehicle’s condition, and potentially spot ‘hidden’ damage such as twisting of the chassis more easily.

It could also be used by commanders in the field to inform decisions on the best course of action following a blast – whether to continue or to return to base for repairs.

It combines Cosworth’s motor sport sensor and data acquisition technology with blast simulation modelling from GRM Consulting Ltd. 

Marrying motorsport technology and military need

Speaking at a Motorsport Industry Association event at the House of Lords on Thursday 8 July, Lord Astor of Hever, President of the Motorsport Indusry Association, said:  “Marrying motorsport technology and military need is an exciting and innovative way forward.

"In the Centre for Defence Enterprise the MOD has a very good mechanism for embracing cutting-edge research that could benefit our troops in the future.”

Chief Executive of Cosworth Group, Tim Routsis, said: “We are delighted to be using our electronics expertise to assist in the military’s attempts to improve the safety of our troops in Afghanistan.

"It is encouraging to see how the MOD is recognising the potential of the technology available in businesses like Cosworth.”

Dust-proof cooling system

These contracts are just two examples of how working with the motorsport industry has provided enhancements to military equipment.

Others include a Paris-Dakar Rally-influenced dust-proof cooling system which is used on the Panther, Mastiff and ridgback armoured vehicles, and an electromechanical flywheel which increases the efficiency of FOB powered diesel generators.